5 Simple Tricks I Used to Stop Overthinking

And this does not include meditation

I don’t even remember a time when I was not an over-thinker. I used to overthink and over analyze everything from the start and it has made me more and more anxious over the years.

I remember being in school when we have to read out loud in turns. I would count the children in front of me and then count which paragraph I will get. Finally, I would read the paragraph over and over in my mind so I don’t make a mistake when my turn comes.

Over-thinking never stops. I used to think it will get better with time, but it didn’t. It got worse and worse. I usually spend the time I should write or study on overthinking. Overthinking will lead to anxious thoughts, and I would start worrying about random things that haven’t even happened yet. I would ruminate about the past and present and worry about the future.

When I graduated, I took a year off to prepare for exams. It was bad luck that exams got delayed, so I was at home for three years. I used to worry all the time at the start. What if I made the wrong choice?

My anxiety was at its worst during that time. I watched lots of Ted talks and read lots of articles on psychology to stop overthinking, but nothing worked for me.

The most common tricks I found were —

• Exercise.
• Not think about it and focus on something else.
• Meditation.

I tried them all.

These are all good if it works for you, then it’s great. And exercise and meditation should be a part of your daily life. It’ll improve your life. But it never worked for me when it comes to overthinking.

Problem is, it’s always easier in the day. I can meditate in the morning, exercise, talk to people and everything, but during the night is when overthinking starts. You get stuck in a loop.

And when I’m too stressed, meditation is just a peaceful time to overthink things. I hate running. I think I don’t even know how to run properly (I’ve been told that by others. I have a video of me running that no one will ever see). But I tried that too.

Here are the things that worked for me:

Reading

If you are a reader, you already know what I am saying. If you’re not a reader, then it’s time to read.

“Everyone is a reader… some just haven’t found their favourite book yet” — Anonymous

I started reading very late (20s). When I was at home for three years, that’s when I started reading along with my studies. I read 124 books in a year. Books take you to a different place. You get to live so many lives. It also helps to keep overthinking and anxiety at bay.

I think it falls in the category — to not think and focus on something else.

If you’re anxious and can’t concentrate. Re-reading a book you love is the best. When you know the story, it becomes more soothing. Re-reading the words you know will comfort you.

Doing something artistic

You don’t have to be a talented artist to start this. Just a simple act of colouring can give you peace of mind. When I’m not feeling well, I draw small flowers. I have bought different coloured pens for that. I started Calligraphy in 2020 after watching it on Instagram, and I love it.

We all had art classes as kids. Just remember what you used to love and start with that. You can just simply buy a colouring book and some colours. It will be meditating.

Never start binge-watching (not even F.R.I.E.N.D.S.)

Binge-watching is your worse enemy when it comes to overthinking and anxiety. You’ll end up feeling worse. Netflix and Prime seem easier and convenient than reading. Sometimes you don’t want to do anything, so you start your favourite series and watch 2–3 seasons in one day.

Been there, done that. I always end up feeling emotionally drained. Now I don’t just have the thing I was worried about earlier, I will start worrying about the time I lost watching the series. I will regret the wasted time thinking of everything I could have done in that time.

You’ll end up destroying your sleep schedule too. Staying up all night never helped an overthinker or anyone else too.

Writing it all down

It works best for past situations. If something has happened and it’s going on and on in your mind, write it all down. It’s so hard I get it. Sometimes I cry so much I can’t even see what I am writing, but I do it anyway. And it helps.

It gives you a proper outlet for your feelings and you’ll feel light by the end. If you want to do a little more than just tear the paper and throw it away. It feels like you are in a movie. If you don’t want to do this, then keep a journal. It will feel silly for some time but will help you in the long term.

Drawing a conclusion

When you’re overthinking about the future instead of keeping thinking of all the what-if situations, just conclude and don’t revisit that topic. For some people, not thinking at all works. But it never worked for me. I will stop thinking about it for some time, but then it will come to my mind again, so to keep myself from thinking the same thing repeatedly, I draw up a conclusion.

For example, something common between all of us is medium. If you’re a medium writer, maybe you’ve thought like me. What if you never make it? What if you don’t have what it takes to be a successful writer? This is what you’ll do next time you think like that.

First, I will think of something positive. Even some inspiration quote works. Read any inspirational article on Medium. Then think of what you’ll do instead of thinking all the negatives- I will write two articles today.

That’s it, then stop the thinking. I tell myself that I will revisit this when some additional information arrives. I will focus on my writing for now. Maybe it’ll take time for you to reach your goal, but worrying helped no one.

This will all take time. Maybe months. Train your mind and don’t give up on the first try. Keep trying. You’ll reach there.

I still overthink, but now it’s not out of control. I don’t get stuck in the vicious loop. I am getting better daily and I hope I keep improving.